International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Govind Mall and RP Mani Tripathi

abstract
The study was conducted from 2022 to 2024 in Kushinagar and Deoria districts of Uttar Pradesh to analyze the constraints faced by Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) members and suggest strategies for overcoming them. A stratified random sampling technique was adopted to select a total of 300 respondents, distributed equally across three FPOs from two blocks in each district. The findings revealed that "Lack of scientific storage facilities" ranked as the most significant constraint (Mean Percent Score = 96.52), followed by "Frequent price fluctuations" (95.71) and "High cost of inputs and services" (93.65). Other notable constraints included "Lack of knowledge on subsidy by government on material inputs" (90.32) and "Inadequate credit facilities" (88.12). Factors like "Adverse climatic conditions" (67.71) and "Power cuts" (69.17) were less critical but still noteworthy. To address these challenges, FPO members suggested several measures. "Flexible sources of credit" was ranked as the most effective strategy (96.66%), followed by "Government-provided transportation facilities" (94.66%) and "Providence of knowledge about value-added product production" (93.33%). Other significant recommendations included training on new technologies (89.33%), risk coverage for vegetable crops (86.66%), and improved marketing facilities (85.33%). The study underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues such as storage infrastructure, credit accessibility, and market linkages, alongside providing education and risk management solutions, to enhance the functioning of FPOs and the livelihoods of their members.